Mukilteo dog park reopens; Everett parks still closed

MUKILTEO — The city has reopened its dog park, but posted a notice urging dog owners to have their pets’ vaccines up to date and to keep them away from other dogs that show signs of sickness.

An outbreak of canine parvovirus in Western Washington led the cities of Mukilteo and Everett to close their dog parks last week.

Parvovirus is highly contagious, can be deadly for young dogs and can live in unsanitized areas for a long time.

Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and lethargy. There have been unconfirmed reports of dogs becoming ill after visiting an Everett dog park, Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon said last week.

The city of Everett closed its off-leash dog areas at Howarth Park, north beach area, 1127 Olympic Blvd; Loganberry Lane Park, wooded path at the end of 18th Avenue W.; and Lowell Park, fenced area north of the tennis courts, 46th Street and S. Third Avenue.

Mukilteo city administrator Joe Hannan said the city closed its dog park after the city of Everett closed its three parks.

He said that city officials spoke with veterinarians who said that owners should take prudent measures to protect their dogs, but the park could be reopened. They also posted a notice warning of the outbreak.

Reardon said the city plans to keep their dog parks closed until mid-December.

Anyone with questions about the outbreak should contact their veterinarian or go to www.aspca.org.